To New Beginnings
June 25, 2014
I recently had the fantastic opportunity of re-familiarizing myself with a former clients that I had fallen out of touch with. Not to say that anything bad happened, this is just the way that life goes sometimes.
People get busy, directions in lives changes, situations arise, etc. etc. It happens to everyone.
But I am happy to say that my work ethic, design skills and (from what I was told) my personality brought them back seeking my help with new project.
It is always a blessing to have clients, but to have consistently returning clients is a rarity. In our industry it seems to be hard for many of my fellow designers to have a set of regular clients. Not the typical one or two until the projects are done but the ones that will find ways to capitalize on your design skills no matter the need.
I decided I would write up a breakdown of what I believe has allowed me the privilege of having returning clients from the beginning.
Sooooo here ya go.
1. BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL
Remember that they are coming to you, but they don't NEED you. There are millions of other designers in the world and good manners, etiquette and appreciation go a long way.
2. LISTEN
THIS IS A MUST! Really taking the time to hear everything the client has to say and is trying to convey is critical. Yes every designer knows that getting the picture out of someone’s head is a difficult task. Also sometimes they may not really know what they want but you have to pay attention. As you continue to build your professional relationship pay close attention to any details as down the road you may be able to use these in ways to help the client they never knew possible.
3. EXPRESS YOURSELF AS A PROFESSIONAL AND AS A PERSON
Yes trying to tell a construction company owner that a purple monkey holding a pipe wrench isn't a clear message may be frustrating, but remember they have feelings too. Expressing yourself as a professional and using all that your years of schooling or industry experience taught you is vital to becoming a success. Use language that it both comfortable to you and your client. State your reasons and ask for their thoughts and input. And above all be patient. Remember for most clients this is a new area for them to tackle. You also don’t want to come off as a machine reciting stanza after stanza on color theory, turn it into a joke, make it personal. "well if i saw a pink elephant..."
4. ASK QUESTIONS
Always try to keep things on a friendly note How their day was, anything new happening in their lives, etc. Having someone they can relate to and trust in this industry goes along way. Truly person questions are best kept at a minimum, try to steer clear of these topics.
5. GIVE MORE
As your project begins to come to an end, express other ideas that the client might not have thought of such as; additional ways to generate revenue, a new way to reach a larger audience, etc. These are ideas that are always floating thru designer’s minds but unless they are shared with the client they are of little or no use. The more you and others in your company/industry vocalize it the more the customer realizes you are looking out for their best interest as well, they aren’t just a “one trick pony” for you.
6. WISH THEM WELL
At the close of your project express the delight that you have had during this relationship and even explain what you have learned from it. Remember everyone likes feeling like they did something well and being recognized for it. Bonds are never stronger than thru a joined link.
7. FOLLOW UP
Whether it has been a week or a month. Check up on your clients, a lot can happen in a short amount of time as we all know. It’s a great way to bring yourself back to the forefront and also shows the client that you are generally interested in their business and product, and you never know they may have something new in the pipeline they might want your help with after.
8. REFERENCE THEM
Whether giving a referral to a friend or as an online source always give the client the recognition they deserve. With this in mind always remember to ask the clients permission before doing so in any attempt to promote yourself. You will once again be building the bond with them and another reason to check in never hurts..
9.FOLLOW UP
No seriously...
10. FOLLOW UP
It can never hurt, unless you did a poor job. It’s always good form as time passes to reach back out. I have personally had clients that have begun new ventures and COINCIDENTILY need more work done, it wasn't immediately but two months later when they needed someone, I was top of mind. New projects and reformed connections and the cycle continues on..
